Washington: US President Donald Trump has communicated that he finds it challenging to intervene and request that Israel cease its military actions against Iran amidst the escalating conflict between the two nations. In his remarks, Trump stated that Tehran has a "maximum" of two weeks to wrap up negotiations, implying a limited window for diplomatic resolution.

According to Anadolu Agency, these comments from President Trump followed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's statement that Iran is prepared to return to diplomatic discussions if the aggression ceases and the aggressors are held accountable. The current tensions began when Israel initiated attacks on June 13, leading to retaliatory measures from Iran, which included numerous drone and missile strikes. Despite the growing conflict, Trump emphasized that Washington is unlikely to pressure Israel to halt its operations, suggesting that Tel Aviv is "winning."

In other developments, a magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Iran's north-central province of Semnan. The tremor occurred at 21:19 local time on Friday, June 20, near the district of Sorkheh, as reported by the Iranian news agency IRNA.

Additionally, a US federal judge has ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil. Judge Michael E. Farbiarz of the Federal District Court in Newark, New Jersey, ruled against Khalil's deportation and mandated his release. Khalil, a former Columbia University graduate student, had been detained since his arrest on March 8 in New York City and was held at an ICE detention facility in Louisiana.